Bok Tower Gardens offers free admission for Boktoberfest

Bok Tower Gardens, for the fourth year in the row, will be having free admission and fun for the whole family from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. during Boktoberfest on Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012. The  plant sale has grown into an Octoberfest celebration that  features a Biergarten with live entertainment, German food, craft and seasonal beers, face painting, silent auction and more.

“Boktoberfest celebrates the start of Florida’s gardening season,” explains David Price, president of the Gardens. “Plant lovers and gardeners will find a wide variety of Florida plants and learn from experts how to make the most of their gardens.”

Live music on Saturday will be provided by Jimmy and Eckhard German Oktoberfest Show, a three-member lederhosen ensemble performing authentic German music. Accordionist Jimmy Horzen sings and plays both piano and button accordions. Eckhard Wachsmuth hails from Stuttgart, Germany. He joins in the fun with vocals, yodeling, the Alpine Horn, Singing Saw, Wooden Laughter, Alpine Bells, Soup Spoons and the Musical Schnitzel Baster. Their show will include sing-alongs, the traditional “Ein Prosit” toast, the birdie dance, current Oktoberfest hits, lots of audience participation, polkas, waltzes, comedy and more.

More than 40 vendors will offer plants for sale including orchids, palms, olive trees, tropical fruits, Florida natives, ferns, bamboo, roses, heliconias, bromeliads, tillandsia air plants, water lilies and more. Tom MacCubbin, Florida’s foremost expert on lawn and garden issues will be the guest speaker at 2 p.m.

Activities for children will be available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. New this year, a petting zoo will include a mini horse, cow, teacup pig, chickens, rabbits, goats and sheep. Face painting and air brush tattoos will be available for an additional fee. Pathfinder Outdoor Education will lead Family Tree Climbing from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will be $12 per person ages 6 and up. Juggles the Clown will perform on the main stage at 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.

The Blue Palmetto Café will prepare authentic German food including brats, Reuben sandwiches, German potato salad and more. Concessions will be available from Little Joe’s Grille located in the Biergarten including potato pancakes, bratwurst, chicken on a stick, Italian and Polish sausage, cabbage and noodles, veggie wraps, Greek options with tabouleh and hummus, desserts and more. A variety of keg and craft beers as well as wines, sodas and water will be available.

Parking in the Gardens has been expanded and free satellite parking will be provided by the First Assembly of God Church. Shuttle transportation will be available at stops along the entrance road. Carpooling is strongly recommended. Call 863-676-1408 or visit www.boktoberfest.com for more information.

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